With thanks to Keri for the touch-ups.
Another year, another line on his face. Mine too, I guess, if I stopped to look in a mirror.
At least his face is softer right now? But I don’t like it when he’s still like this. He’s just relaxed, is all. He’s fine. He’s sleeping. He’ll wake up.
But memory is a powerful force. To me, he’s too still, too quiet. His natural energy quelled. Usually when he sleeps, his breathing is different. He moves a lot. It used to wake me up every time but now I’m used to it. It’s worse when he’s not there, sprawled like a starfish or wrapped around me. A Starsky-less bed is a cold and lonely one. I can’t sleep without him now.
The machines talk for him. Beep, beep, beep. That’s his heart, saying, yep, still ticking.
But memory… There were other times, another hospital, another room. Funny how they all look—and smell—the same.
It’s just a knock to the head, but I worry. Always, always, I worry. This job is getting to be too much for both of us. Constantly targets. How did we even get back to this place in our jobs? After Starsk nearly died, we should have packed it in.
But he convinced me. He wasn’t done working for good in the way he does best. He needs the work, his mind needs that work, and I wasn’t going to let him get back out there without me covering his back.
“Hey.”
I didn’t know how long I’d been sitting there, staring at him; but lost in thought as I was, I missed him waking.
“Starsk? How you doin’?”
“Got a headache the size of…something big.”
I chuckle. “I bet you do.” I push the button to call the nurse as she asked.
Starsky reaches for me and I take his wrist as he grasps mine. It’s our way of holding hands without tipping off anyone. Just friends taking care of each other, right?
“Hutch? I been thinkin’.”
He pauses for my inevitable joke about how he better not hurt himself doing that, but I don’t. Instead, I say, “Me, too, pal.”
“Bolivia?”
“Maybe not that far. But, yeah. Maybe it’s time.”
I squeeze his wrist and nod. As usual, he knows what I’m thinking.
He lets me go and touches my forehead with one finger. “Grew another line there while I was out.”
“So did you.” If I say much more, I might break down. Save it, Hutch. Save it for when you’ve got him home and then he’ll let you lose it on his shoulder and then make those plans.
I can see in his eyes, he’s thinking the same.
The nurse comes in, cheery and flirty. Starsk flirts back, but I know the truth.
I wink at Starsk and step back to let the nurse do her work. He’ll be mine soon enough.
Soon.
Click on the image to view it larger.
Laura,
This is so touching and profound. I especially loved this line:
He lets me go and touches my forehead with one finger. “Grew another line there while I was out.”
Thank you for this gift.
Thank you!
This lovely little story just shines, Laura; it’s brilliant. So much said is so few words with both of them on the same page: it’s time. Wonderful!
And, Elves? You’ve been topping yourselves every day with this calendar. This image is exquisite. Thank you, guys!
Thank you!
Thank you for writing and sharing this beautiful story.
And what a lovely, happy, ending, full of promises.
No more worry lines on their pretty faces. Never
Thank you!
What a wonderful story that has them together and agreeing it is time to move to their version of Bolivia. Well done!
Illo was so good, too.
Thank you! Elves came up with the illustration but it’s awesome!
*Happy sniffle* A little angst, a little tension, a hope for the future – all served with love. Perfect mix, thank you, LM.
Thank you!
Laura, this was so touching and beautiful! It made my eyes leak a little bit. Thank you for this lovely gift!
And elves… Awesome pic!
Thank you!
Nggghhh! Such a short story, but so lovely and touching! That perfect moment of relief when they both know – and know that the other agrees – it’s time to get away from the dangers of the job and make sure they have a future together. The retirement villa in Rio awaits! Well – Rio, Bolivia, or some green and quiet canyon hillside in Bay City… <3
A bittersweet moment captured for all time.
Thank you!
Hi Laura! I’m so happy to read a new story from you. Thanks for your gift!
Thank you!
Beautiful story – loved it.
Thank you!
This was just beautiful Laura. I loved their clasped wrists as something secret and meaningful just for them. Thank you for sharing this sweet story, full of hope for their future.
Thank you!
Very touching story of a significant moment. So nicely done, Laura. Thank you for this sweet gift.